Elephant seals enlisted in study of Antarctic seas
August 23rd, 2008
Scientists are trying to get better acquainted with the unique marine conditions of the southern pole, and they’re looking to some big friends for help - friends who know a lot about the area.
According to a story by Reuters these researchers have equipped 58 elephant seals with a variety of electronic devices in order to measure water variations and salinity in the Antarctic. These seals have proven a great success so far, taking readings in places that would be otherwise inaccessible to humans.
Lead by an expert from the National Museum of Natural History in Paris, the researchers used a strong-sealing epoxy to bind the sensors to the fur of the seals in a completely harmless fashion. The seals were then released to go about their foraging, which they did - deep beneath the antarctic ice. They can go as deep as 1.2 miles looking for food.
The data will not only allow researchers to keep an eye on water conditions but monitor seal activity as well.